Always place babies on their backs to sleep at night and at nap time. Babies who sleep on their backs are less likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Babies should always sleep in a crib. The safest place for a baby is in the same room as the parents but alone in a separate sleep area.
Keep loose objects, soft toys, and bedding out of the baby's sleep area. Do not use pillows and blankets in a baby's sleeping area. A baby should sleep in a crib with only a tight fitting sheet.
Avoid letting your baby overheat during the night. A baby should be dressed lightly for sleep. Set the room temperature in a range that is comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.
Do not use crib bumpers. These do not reduce injuries and can cause suffocation.
Avoid smoking. Both maternal smoking during pregnancy and secondhand smoke after birth should be avoided.
Breastfeeding is recommended for at least the first six months of life. Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
